Instead of taking the quickest route to Aberdeen, I have chosen to travel by train. Crossing borders by rail will make me more aware of the distance I am travelling and the environmental impact that comes with international mobility. I don’t think sustainable travel is about avoiding international experiences; it is about making conscious choices that reduce our impact. In many ways, this decision reflects the same question that lies at the heart of Aberdeen’s own transformation: how do we move towards a more sustainable future while recognising the realities of the past?
While my own journey begins on the railway leading north from the Netherlands, Aberdeen’s journey began decades ago. For much of the twentieth century, the city earned its reputation as the Oil and Gas Capital of Europe. Today, Aberdeen is following a different path. Rather than leaving its past behind, the city is using its expertise that once powered the fossil fuel industry to shape its future as the Energy Capital of Europe. I find that inspiring. It shows that sustainability is about transforming what already exists.
As Aberdeen navigates its transition, I begin one of my own. As a student of International Relations and International Organisation at the University of Groningen, I have learned that climate change is never simply an environmental issue. It is about history, politics, economics, and international cooperation. During my exchange, I will take a course named “The Global Colour Line”, which explores how colonialism, resource extraction, and global power structures shaped the modern world. It reinforces my belief that today’s sustainability cannot be understood without recognising the unequal historical systems that created it.
The transition of Aberdeen is about transforming an economy, supporting communities, and creating cooperation between governments, industries, universities, and citizens. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for understanding this transformation. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) is reflected in Aberdeen’s ambition to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy. SDG 13 (Climate Action) is visible in the city’s commitment to achieving Net Zero. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) comes to life through the collaboration between the local government, industry, education, and communities.
My own contribution may be smaller, but it follows the same principle. Travelling by train is the first step. During my exchange, I also plan to rely on walking and public transport wherever possible, using Trainline and ScotRail to discover the country, or to use Too Good To Go to reduce food waste. These choices may seem small, but I do believe sustainability is built through thousands of everyday decisions.
Beyond Aberdeen itself, I hope to discover the Scottish Highlands. These landscapes represent what all of these transitions are ultimately trying to protect. Standing among the mountains, lochs, and coastlines, I hope to be reminded that climate action is ultimately about preserving the natural world. Not only for me, but also for future generations.
https://sites.aberdeencity.gov.uk/net-zero-aberdeen
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214790X25000103
https://www.rug.nl/bachelors/international-relations-and-international-organization/?lang=en
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courses/undergraduate/2026/sixth_century_courses/SX1023
https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/nl-be/institutional/insights-and-research/delivering-innovative-energy-solutions-for-the-uks-energy-transition
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/2040/sustainable/index.php
https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-gb
